HELLO PARENTS AND TEACHERS! ​As my son Inigo is now finally waking up to Christmas presents and frenzied shopping, I'm suddenly recalling the many conversations I've had in the past with all of you about your frustrating - sometimes frustrated - efforts to steer your child away from what they're hearing all around them this time of year. For us, as recently as last year, Inigo still thought toy catalogues were like books, just things to look at; now he understands that these toys are actually there to buy - and that there's a reason the newspaper is stuffed full of them in December!

I hope that what we do at St. Nick's can help with our efforts to focus on the real meaning of Advent and Christmas. We do that by telling the story of the REAL (and yes, he was very real!) St. Nicholas, tireless saint in the church and example of generosity to the poor. We also offer the opportunity to buy gifts for the LOVE INC families in need, focusing on giving to the kind of people St. Nick would have reached out to first. And finally, remember to light your Advent wreaths each week - perhaps each night if you have the time - and talk to your kids then about how this is a season for generosity to the needy, to examine ourselves, and to prepare for the baby Jesus who brings light and hope into the world.

Keep at it! What we teach them at this age is lasting, and so important.Faithfully, Astrid

FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS DECEMBER 6Remember, THIS SUNDAY is the Feast of St. Nick, when St. Nick himself visits our little parish! Come teach your kids all about the real St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra, patron saint of children, sailors, maidens without dowries, and more!

LESSONS AND CAROLS NEXT SUNDAY 10 AMNext Sunday is our annual festival of Lessons and Carols! Come with your singing voices ready - and learn a little bit about this classic Anglican tradition (which you can also read about here).

CHRISTMAS ANGELS Once again, St. Nick's will partner with Mid-Hudson LOVE INC to purchase Christmas presents for children of LOVE INC families. Presents are typically one clothing item and one toy/educational item for each child. We have received a list of 20 families with between 1 and 4 children each. Each St. Nick's family that wishes to participate typically buys for each child in a family. Presents are brought to St. Nick's by Sunday December 20 and then will be delivered. All recipient families are LOVE INC clients and are experiencing a period of significant need and are located in Dutchess County. Liz Pavelka (pavelkain@optonline.net) and Paul Curran (paul.curran@bqenergy.com) will have the list of recipient families available starting Sunday.

LINK TO LESSONOur regular lessons will resume December 13.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR TEENAGERS THROUGH THE NATIONAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH: 2016 YOUTH TRIP TO THE UN and EPISCOPAL SERVICE CORPSThe National Episcopal Church and wider Anglican Communion offer LOADS of opportunities for kids to get involved with local and international efforts. One is the upcoming Leadership Forum, open to kids from all over the country. Click HERE for the flyer and contact me (Astrid) if you'd like an application. Also, the Episcopal Service Corps (sort of like the Peace Corps) offers a variety of ways for kids to spend time abroad. HERE is information about that. Applications are now being accepted, so contact me if you have more questions.